Kroger launches meal delivery from 'dark kitchen'

Kroger is jumping into the cooked meal delivery game.

The largest regional grocery provider based in Cincinnati launched three delivery-only kitchens using ClusterTruck, a software platform that powers “dark kitchens,” according to a statement from Kroger. “Dark kitchens” only deliver food and have no dine-in option.

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Kroger Delivery Kitchen is currently available in Columbus, Denver and Indianapolis, with another location set to open in Carmel, Indiana, according to the statement.

“The way our customers order and receive meals is evolving, and ClusterTruck’s innovative culinary and digital design is cracking the code for the future of profitable meal delivery,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s CIO. “Kroger Delivery Kitchen Powered by ClusterTruck will allow our customers to access restaurant-quality fresh and delicious meals like never before and without having to pay excessive service or delivery fees.”

The average time between placing an order and receiving food is about 30 minutes, with a menu ranging from pizza to Pad Thai, according to the statement.

There are no delivery fees.

Kroger typically tests programs like Kroger Delivery Kitchen in a few select markets before expanding to others.

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